The Guide to TMJ Syndrome: An Ailment Provoking Jaw Pain

Posted on May 8, 2018

TMJ disorders are known as temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders. TMJ comes in two types: articular and nonarticular. Articular TMJ affects the inside of the joint and non-articular TMJ occurs outside of the joint. The jaw bone and skull are connected by the TMJ.

More than 10 million Americans are affected by TMJ disorders. Women between 18 and 44 have a higher risk of TMJ disorders.

TMJ Disorder Causes

The cause of a TMJ disorder is unknown in most cases. Health problems contributing to TMJ disorder development include:

Arthritis

Chewing gum on a excessive basis

Jaw problems at birth

Joint erosion

Tooth grinding or clenching

Jaw/Tooth Trauma

The factors mentioned below are related to TMJ development. Note that they are not proven causes of TMJ disorders.

Anxiety/stress

Bad posture straining neck and face muscles

Bad bite

Dental braces

Insomnia

Poor nutrition

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

TMJ disorder symptoms involve many TMJ parts: bones, connective tissue, ligaments, muscles, nerves, teeth, and tendons. Symptoms may be experienced on one or both face sides. Some TMJ symptoms are similar to those of trigeminal neuralgia. Here are the symptoms:

Blurry vision

Deafness

Headache/migraine

Lightheadedness

Lockjaw

Painful tongue base

Shoulder pain

Strange jaw noises

Stuffy ears

Trouble opening or closing mouth

Trouble biting or chewing

TMJ Diagnosis

There is no universal test that provides a correct diagnosis of TMJ disorders. The identification of TMJ disorders can be challenging as the precise causes and symptoms are unclear. Doctors will collect info about patient symptoms, obtain a full health history, and check affected areas.

Doctors will recommend diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

Visits to various doctors such as: otolaryngologist, periodontist, etc. will be necessary to receive TMJ treatment. TMJ disorders can be identified when headaches, otitis, sinusitis, and facial pain are no longer considered.

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Treatment choices are determined by the essence of the TMJ disorder.

Medications

The following OTC or prescription medications may be help in treating TMJ.

Repositioning splint- This splint is utilized for moving the mandible towards the front or back. It repositions the mandible to allow permanent bite changes.

Symptom Prevention

The achievement of TMJ disorder symptom prevention is possible if you follow the recommendations below.

Stay away from hard foods

Apply gel packs to relieve swelling

Gently exercise your jaws through stretching. Jaw exercises can be learned from a physical therapist.

Avoid large movement of jaws.

Some essential oils for sleep may temporarily relieve pain associated with TMJ disorders.

Learn stress management techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy

Use safety protection to prevent jaw injury

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is the best option for severe cases of TMJ disorders.

Arthrocentesis

Arthrocentesis involves joint lavage with a saline solution. This procedure is performed under a local anesthetic. A sedative may be given sometimes. Arthrocentesis appears to be effective for people with severe TMJ closed lock. Patients can return to work within 1-2 days after arthrocentesis.

Arthroscopy

Surgeons make a small cut around the ear to insert an arthroscope. General anesthesia is used for arthroscopies. Arthroscopies are normally done at a hospital on an outpatient basis. The typical recovery time for arthroscopies is around seven days.

Arthroplasty

Most arthroplasties are intended to treat displaced discs. Arthroplasties may also be performed to remove adhesions, bone spurs, ankylosis, or tumors. Recovery time for arthroplasties ranges from 2-6 weeks. For this procedure, general anesthesia is used. Arthroplasty types include graft (i.e. temporalis muscle and rib), temporary silicone implants, and discectomy. Other arthroplasty types include condylotomy and total joint reconstruction, which are discussed below in greater depth.

Condylotomy

The primary reason for performing condylectomy is to permit painless and unlimited mandibular motion range.

Total Joint Reconstruction

Total Joint Reconstruction would used be a last resort after the aforementioned surgical procedures have been unsuccessful. Recovery from Total Joint Reconstruction surgery lasts 4-6 weeks. Ideally, the rib bone would be used for making a new TMJ.

The King of Prussia & Periodontics Dental Implants practice has three dentists: Dr. Marissa Crandall Cruz, Dr. Mana Nejadi, and Dr. Rimple Sandhu. All three dentists perform cosmetic periodontal surgery, implant dentistry, periodontics and treatments for tmj disorder in King of Prussia, PA.